<p>Hi, decision day is only a few days away and I'm conflicted. I went to overnight programs at both schools and I had a lot of fun at both of them. I felt like I identified with both schools but in different ways.</p>
<p>A little info about me:
Math is my favorite subject right now and there's a decent but by no means certain possibility. I'm into a lot of other stuff like politics, history, physics, econ, chemistry, music, among others. The main debate I'm having with myself right now is between the (at least perceived) superiority of the UChicago math/sciences programs versus the freedom/choice of Brown. A little more about myself is I love to be in intellectually stimulating environments but I also just want to kick back and relax every once in a while.</p>
<p>I have a few questions/concerns about UChicago. Anyone who can help answer these or give me any information that would help me make my decision would be very much appreciated.</p>
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<li><p>What is the intellectual environment really like at UChicago? I've heard from some that people there are non-competitive but I've also heard from others it's extremely cutthroat.</p></li>
<li><p>How hard is it to explore the classes I want to? Also, how hard is it to double major or combine majors? I feel like the Core could be restricting for me.</p></li>
<li><p>While I've never been someone to shy away from a challenge, I'm a little concerned about what I've heard about the stress/extreme hard work that occurs at UChicago. I've always been a procrastinator and I'll probably have difficulty getting into a routine.</p></li>
<li><p>Does it ever feel like undergrads get passed over for grad students?</p></li>
<li><p>Could you describe the math program at UChicago?</p></li>
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<p>Hi! As I’m a fellow Class of 2016 admit (who has committed :)), I may not know about UChicago much more than you do, but I’ll try to give what I have to offer.</p>
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<li><p>From what I’ve heard, although competition exists at UChicago (as it does everywhere else), it is more about competing with oneself for continued improvement and self-perfection. People rarely ever talk about grades. Instead, they enjoy discussing Kant, Marx, free will, nuclear weapons, string theory, etc. Just look at the facebook group and you get a pretty good sense of it!</p></li>
<li><p>I think the Core in fact provides opportunities for you to explore classes you’re interested in. If you look at the course catalog, you’ll see that every subject has a number of intro-level courses that can be used to “fulfill the general education requirements”. There is a good amount of options within each of the three main disciplines of the Core, so you shouldn’t find it restricting. Most people love their Core classes and think it’s a highly rewarding experience. Also, apart from the Core and the essential major requirements, you’ll normally gain a number of credits by taking electives that are within or outside your major(s). You can use these to explore an even wider range of subjects, or take more advanced-level courses in your major(s)/minor(s). As for double majoring, it is certainly feasible, and, in fact, fairly common.</p></li>
<li><p>The “UChicago is where fun comes to die” is mostly a self-deprecating joke from which students at the school derive a sense of pride. People at UChicago do work harder than people at most other peer colleges, but they are driven by an intellectual passion. Many go to UChicago for the academic rigor. However, it is far from true that UChicago students don’t get to chill out and just have fun. If you want a more “normal” college experience, I suggest you choose one of the more “social” dorms (Pierce, Max P., South)–I hear they have legit frat parties every now and then.</p></li>
<li><p>While UChicago is a highly accomplished research institution, it also devotes a good amount of resources to the undergrads. The introductory classes may be larger (as they are in most schools), but the upper-level courses are conducted in small classes. (I think the student to faculty ratio is something along the lines of 7:1.) Current students I’ve spoken to or heard speaking find the professors very accessible and helpful.</p></li>
<li><p>I’m also interested in majoring in math as well. There are several tracks: BA, BS, and applied math. BA and BS are very similar, but BS requires a few more science classes. The BA and BS tracks are highly theoretical and proof-based. UChicago’s math is highly reputed for its excellence. If you’re interested in math as a major, you probably don’t want to just pass up the opportunity to study at one of the best (if not the best) math departments in the world.</p></li>
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<p>Hope I helped! Good luck with your choice and hope to see you this fall! ;)</p>
<p>My goodness, based on everything I’ve heard from my son, a current 2nd year, and his friends, shootastar has nailed it. And s/he hasn’t even matriculated yet!</p>
<p>I’d simply reinforce, wrt #1, my son’s experience is that most students he knows are collaborative. Study groups, lending each other class notes, etc. seems to be pretty common. </p>
<p>And, for #4: the College within the larger research university has its own clear and strong identity, and the relationship with the graduate/professional schools is synergistic. Core classes (which will give you the breadth of exploration for your various interests, including new interests you may discover to your surprise) are capped at 20. I’ve seen many posts on the UC forum to the effect that undergraduates have no trouble getting time and establishing relationships with most faculty members (there are always some exceptions), including the senior big name guys. My son’s experience validates this.</p>
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<li><p>What are your thoughts on the quarter system? I have no idea what to think about it.</p></li>
<li><p>How happy are people at UChicago?</p></li>
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